Ham Radio APRS – The Complete Guide

Ham Radio APRS: The complete guide to APRS is the Automatic Position Reporting System - what it is, how it works and why it exists.

By: Jeremy Neisser APRS, or the Amateur Packet Reporting System, is a digital communication system that amateur radio operators use to exchange messages and track locations using GPS. It is a technology that has been around for some time and is widely used in emergency communications, tracking, and weather reporting. In this article, I will provide … Read more

What is RF Gain on CB Radio? A Clear Explanation

RF Gain is a feature on a CB radio that acts as a sensitivity filter to reduce noise in the receiver without reducing reception power. It is used to counteract noise that interferes with signals, which comes from the atmosphere, other nearby channels, and environmental surroundings. RF stands for "radio frequency," which refers to the wireless communication of signals through the air rather than through wires. Unlike a CB radio squelch, RF gain does not reduce reception power while reducing noise in the receiver.

By: Jeremy NeisserWhat is RF Gain on a CB Radio?RF Gain is a feature on a CB radio that acts as a sensitivity filter to reduce noise in the receiver without reducing reception power. It is used to counteract noise that interferes with signals, which comes from the atmosphere, other nearby channels, and environmental surroundings.RF … Read more

CB Radio vs Ham Radio -The Differences Explained

CB Radio vs Ham Radio – Differences Explained: There are two types of radio communication: CB and amateur radio. Although both have the same goal - to allow people to talk from one place to another - they operate on completely different frequencies and have entirely different licensing systems.

By: Jeremy NeisserIn this article, I will discuss the two most popular radio services in the United States, the Citizens Band (CB) Radio Service and the Amateur Radio Service. As there are significant differences between the two services, understanding these differences will help you choose the one that best suits your needs. CB radio has a … Read more

RG8X vs RG58 – Which Coaxial Cable is Better?

Understanding Coaxial Cables Before diving into the comparison, it's important to understand what coaxial cables are and how they work. Coaxial cables are made up of a center conductor, an insulating layer, a braided shield, and an outer jacket. The center conductor carries the signal while the insulating layer and braided shield work together to prevent interference and signal loss. The outer jacket provides protection against environmental factors such as moisture and temperature changes. Coaxial cables are used in a wide range of applications, including telecommunications, broadcasting, and computer networking.

By: Jeremy Neisser When it comes to setting up a reliable communication network, choosing the right coaxial cable is crucial. Two of the most commonly used coaxial cables in the industry are RG8X and RG58. While both cables share some similarities, they also have some distinct differences that can impact their performance in certain applications.In … Read more

FRS vs GMRS: Understanding the Differences

FRS and GMRS are two types of walkie-talkies that are commonly used for communication in outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, and hunting. These devices are easy to use and do not require any special training or license to operate, making them a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts.

By: Jeremy Neisser Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) are two types of radio communication systems that are often compared for personal or business use. They serve similar purposes but are governed by different regulations and technical specifications.  FRS is a low-power and short-range communication system that typically requires no license … Read more

GMRS Radio Frequencies and Channels: A Comprehensive Guide

GMRS and FRS use the same frequencies and can communicate with each other. The GMRS & FRS channels and frequencies are listed in the table below, along with the maximum permitted power for each service.

By: Jeremy NeisserGMRS Radio Frequencies and Channels OverviewGMRS and FRS use the same frequencies and can communicate with each other. The GMRS & FRS channels and frequencies are listed in the table below, along with the maximum permitted power for each service.GMRS & FRS Channels and Frequencies – Full List:ChannelFrequency (MHz)Radio ServiceMax Permitted Power – … Read more

Longwave vs Shortwave Radio: Unveil the Differences

Longwave radios capture signals with low frequencies ranging from 30 to 279 kHz, while shortwave radios tune into higher-frequency signals that range from 3 to 30 MHz (3,000 and 30,000 kHz). Understanding the differences between longwaves and shortwaves, along with their respective radios, enables a clearer comprehension of their applications in various communication scenarios.

By: Jeremy NeisserRadios have become an essential tool in modern communication, harnessing the power of radio waves to transmit sound messages and information. These radio waves are classified into two primary categories – longwaves and shortwaves – leading to the development of longwave and shortwave radios. This article aims to clarify the confusion between these … Read more